Vehicle network with a control device entering sleep mode when the vehicle velocity is above predetermined threshold and a coprocessor performing selected functions during the sleep mode

ABSTRACT

A control device ( 21 ) for a vehicle network, having a microprocessor ( 30 ) and a transceiver ( 40 ). The control device ( 21 ) can be switched off or switched to a sleep mode during a previously defined state or event during the operation of the motor vehicle and/or the control device ( 21 ) can be awakened from the sleep mode during a previously defined state or event during the operation. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method for operating a vehicle network.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a U.S. National Phase of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2010/001895, filed 22 Mar. 2010, which claimspriority to German Patent Application No. 10 2009 015 197.4, filed 31Mar. 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments relate to a control device for a vehicle networkand to a method for operating a vehicle network.

BACKGROUND

Control devices for a vehicle network such as, for example, CAN, FlexRayor LIN have been known for a long time. The control devices have incommon the fact that they have a microprocessor and a transceiver andare suitably connected to the corresponding bus lines. Switching on anoperating signal causes all the control devices to be switched on here.This operating signal is usually terminal 15 (KL 15) in the case of amotor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, that is to say themeans of switching on the ignition. Furthermore, control devices areknown which, when the ignition is switched off, are switched into asleep mode in order to wake up, and if appropriate to awaken or switchon further control devices, when a specific signal occurs. Such acontrol device is, for example, the control device for a central lockingsystem. A problem in modern motor vehicles is the increased electricalenergy requirement which also brings about an increased fuel consumptionin vehicles with internal combustion engines.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments are based on the technical problem of makingavailable a control device for a vehicle network and a method foroperating a vehicle network by means of which the electrical energyrequirement is reduced.

For this purpose, the control device for a vehicle network comprises amicroprocessor and a transceiver, wherein the control device is switchedoff or can be switched into a sleep mode in the case of a previouslydefined state or event during operation of the motor vehicle. As aresult of this, individual control devices or groups of control devicescan also be switched into an energy-saving mode during operation of themotor vehicle. The operating signal is here, for example, the terminal15 signal or a starting signal in the case of an electric vehicle. In afirst alternative, the term operation therefore comprises a state of themotor vehicle with the ignition switched on. In a second alternative,the term operation can additionally comprise a state of the motorvehicle with the ignition switched off.

In this context, the term state is understood to be a driving state orvehicle state of the motor vehicle. Such states can, for example, bedetermined by evaluation of sensor signals.

All the control devices may be first switched on with the operatingsignal and then selectively switched off or switched into the sleepmode. Alternatively it is possible to provide that individual controldevices are not switched on when the operating signal is switched on butare instead switched straight into a sleep mode and then selectivelyawakened by a network message during operation. Furthermore, it ispossible to provide that the control device is firstly switched on withthe operating signal, then switched into the sleep mode by a previouslydefined event and/or state and then can be awakened again by a furtherpreviously defined event and/or a further state. In a network, theindividual alternatives can also be combined here. All the measuresbring about a saving in electrical energy.

Awakening here means activation or switching on of the control device.

In one disclosed embodiment, the event for switching the control deviceinto the sleep mode or for switching off or for awakening is at leastone network message which is optionally transmitted by a master controldevice.

In another disclosed embodiment, the control device comprises a modulefor detecting network messages, which module controls the switching onand/or the sleep mode and/or the switching off.

The module is optionally connected on the input side to the output of areceiver of the transceiver and on the output side to a control logicfor the microprocessor and/or to the transceiver. In particular, themodule is connected on the output side to the microprocessor and/or to adriver of the transceiver and/or to a control logic of the transceiver.

As a result, the transceiver and/or the microprocessor can becorrespondingly switched off or switched into an energy-saving mode. Itis therefore possible, for example in a sleep mode, for the driver fortransmitting to be switched off and the receiver to be switched to apassive listening state which then waits for an awakening networkmessage.

In yet another disclosed embodiment, the module is integrated into thetransceiver or in the microprocessor or is embodied as a separatecomponent.

In a further disclosed embodiment, the module is integrated into themicroprocessor. In this context, a coprocessor function of themicroprocessor can be executed by means of the module if a sleep mode ofthe microprocessor is activated. In this context, in the coprocessorfunction the module carries out a transmitting operation and/orreceiving operation and/or an evaluation of reception messages and/or achangeover of operating mode.

In another disclosed embodiment, the module comprises at least one datamask and/or at least one DLC mask and/or at least one identifier mask.

In yet another disclosed embodiment, the module comprises at least oneinput and output interface, wherein external signals can be receivedand/or transmitted by means of the input and output interface.

In a further disclosed embodiment, the module comprises at least oneoutput interface for outputting signals to external voltage controllersand/or at least one output interface for outputting signals forcontrolling the transceiver.

In another disclosed embodiment, the module comprises at least one timeout timer, wherein an operating mode can be switched over by means ofthe module if the time out timers reach a predetermined value or 0.

In yet another disclosed embodiment, the module comprises at least onecounter, wherein an operating mode can be switched over by means of themodule if the counter reaches a predetermined value.

In a further disclosed embodiment, the module comprises at least onereception buffer and/or at least one transmission buffer, whereinmessages can be received by means of the reception buffer and/ormessages can be transmitted by means of the transmission buffer.

In another disclosed embodiment, a master control device transmits, asan event, a network message as a function of which at least one controldevice is switched on or off or switched into the sleep mode orawakened.

In yet another disclosed embodiment, the previously defined state is thevehicle velocity V, wherein in the case of V>0 or V>V_(limit) at leastone control device is switched off or switched into the sleep mode orawakened. A further state can be, for example, a time t. It is thereforepossible to provide that after a predefined time t_(o) after switchingon of the operating signal individual control devices are switched offor are switched into the sleep mode.

The control devices which are switched off or are switched into thesleep mode or awakened are optionally comfort control devices such as,for example, a seat adjustment control device, a stationary-stateheating control device or a sunroof control device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments will be explained below in more detail. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a vehicle network,

FIG. 2 a shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a control devicehaving a module which is integrated into a transceiver and has thepurpose of detecting network messages,

FIG. 2 b shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a control devicehaving a module which is integrated into a microprocessor and has thepurpose of detecting network messages,

FIG. 2 c shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a control devicehaving a separate module for detecting network messages,

FIG. 3 shows a detailed schematic block circuit diagram of a modulewhich is integrated into a transceiver and has the purpose of detectingnetwork messages, and

FIG. 4 shows a detailed schematic block circuit diagram of a modulewhich is integrated into a microprocessor or embodied as a separatecomponent and has the purpose of detecting network messages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle network 1 which iscomposed of two bus systems 2, 3 which are connected to one another viaa control device 4. The control device 4 operates here as a gatewaybetween the two bus systems 2, 3. The bus system 2 comprises the controldevices 21-23, and the bus system 3 comprises the control devices 31-33.It is assumed here that the bus system 3 is a time-critical system suchas, for example, high-speed CAN and the bus system 2 is atime-uncritical system such as, for example, Low-speed CAN, in which, inparticular, comfort control devices are arranged.

In the first disclosed embodiment, all the control devices 4, 21-23,31-33 are switched on when the KL15 ignition is switched on. Dependingon a previously defined state and/or a previously defined networkmessage, at least one control device 21-23 is then switched off orswitched into a sleep mode. The difference between switched off andsleep mode is that a switched off control device is not only incapableof transmitting but can also no longer receive any network messages,that is to say it is completely excluded from the network communication.In contrast, in the sleep mode the sleeping control device 21-23 stillreceives network messages, even if at a relatively low power level.Possible previously defined states are the vehicle speed and/or a timeperiod and/or further driving states or vehicle states. This is based onthe realization that certain functions are usually no longer executed ata vehicle speed V>0. For example, seat adjustment is not performedduring travel. Furthermore, it is possible to assume that certainsettings are no longer changed after a certain time after the ignitionhas been switched on. Certain control devices can therefore be switchedinto the sleep mode or even switched off without perceptible adverseeffects for comfort occurring, but the electrical power drain isreduced. The duration of the state can be evaluated here internally bythe control device itself, wherein the state V>0 is optionallycommunicated via a network message. In this case, the state of (V>0)conditions an event (network message).

If a control device 21-23 which is in the sleep mode is then required,the control device can be awakened again by means of a previouslydefined network message. For this purpose, for example a master controldevice, optionally the control device 4 in the present case, transmits acorresponding network message to the sleeping control device 21-23. Itis noted here that in the networks there is usually no direct assignmentof a network message to a control device but rather the transmittingcontrol device transmits the network message onto the bus, and all thecontrol devices can receive the network message, with the respectivecontrol device then checking whether the network message is relevant forits own operation.

It is alternatively possible to provide that certain control devices21-23 are in the first instance not switched on at all but ratherswitched into the sleep mode from the switched-off state with theterminal 15 signal. These sleeping control devices can then beanalogously awakened by a network message.

In the same way that a control device 21-23 which is in the sleep modecan be awakened by a network message, a switched-on control device 21-23can also be switched into the sleep mode or else switched off by meansof a network message, and this may be done by means of a master controldevice.

FIGS. 2 a-c illustrate various embodiments of a control device 21according to the disclosed embodiments, wherein the statements can alsobe transferred to the control devices 22 and 23. The control device 21comprises a microprocessor 30, a transceiver 40 and a control deviceplug 50, by means of which the control device 21 is connected to the bussystem 2 or the network 1. Bus terminating resistors R1, R2 and aninductive common mode suppression means L1 are arranged between thecontrol device plug 50 and the transceiver 40. The transceiver 40comprises a driver 41 with output stage 42 connected downstream, areceiver 43 and a control logic 44 or control logic. The driver 41 withoutput stage 42 connected downstream serves to transmit network messageswhich the microprocessor 30 makes available at its output Tx. Thereceiver 43 correspondingly serves for receiving network messages whichare then transmitted to an Rx input of the microprocessor 30. Thecontrol logic 44 is connected on the input side to a control output Ctrlof the microprocessor 30. On the output side, the control logic 44 isconnected to controlled inputs of the driver 41 and of the receiver 43.The driver 41 and the receiver 43 can then be switched into an operatingmode or a sleep mode by means of the control logic 44. Theaforementioned statements apply here to all three embodiments accordingto FIGS. 2 a-c. In addition, the control device 21 comprises a module 45for detecting network messages. For this purpose, the module 45 isconnected on the input side to the output of the receiver 43 and on theoutput side to the microprocessor 30 (see FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 c) and/orto an input of the control logic 44 (see FIG. 2 b and FIG. 2 c).Depending on the detected network messages, the module 45 then generatesa signal for the microprocessor 30 and/or the control logic 44 in orderto switch the microprocessor 30 or the driver 41 or receiver 43 into asleep mode or an operating mode. In this context, the module 45 in FIG.2 a is an integral component of the transceiver 40. It is illustratedhere in FIG. 2 a that the output of the module 45 is connected to aseparate input of the control logic 44. It is also possible for theoutput to be connected to the input of the control logic 44 which isactuated by the microprocessor 30.

The module 45 receives messages via the receiver 43, evaluates theidentifiers and data content thereof with precision to the bit level anddetermines the number of data bytes of the messages.

There are various criteria according to which the module can generate aswitching signal for changing an operating mode. The criteria can beevaluated alternatively or cumulatively here.

According to a first criterion, the module 45 compares the identifierwith a mask. When the identifier and mask correspond, the module 45generates a signal for the control logic 44 in order to switch thedriver 41 or receiver 43 into a sleep mode or a desired operating mode.

According to a second criterion, the module 45 compares the data contenton a bit-by-bit basis with a mask. When a predetermined or predefinedbit corresponds, the module 45 generates a signal for the control logic44 in order to switch the driver 41 or receiver 43 into a sleep mode ora desired operating mode.

According to a third criterion, the module 45 compares the number ofdata bytes with a mask. If the number is smaller than the number definedby the mask, the module 45 generates a signal for the control logic 44in order to switch the driver 41 or receiver 43 into a sleep mode or adesired operating mode.

A comparison of a number of data bits can also be carried out here.

The masks for the identifier, data content and number of data bytes arestored in the module 45 or can be freely configured by themicroprocessor 30 with the control output Ctrl in the module 45. In thiscontext, it is illustrated in FIG. 2 a that the control output Ctrl ofthe microprocessor 30 is additionally connected in a data-exchangingfashion with an input of the module 45. Of course, it is alsoconceivable that the microprocessor can be connected in adata-exchanging fashion to the input of the module 45 via an additionalcontrol output and an additional data line.

A data line may be embodied in a bidirectional fashion between themicroprocessor 30 and the module 45. All the further data lines whichare illustrated can also be embodied in a bidirectional fashion. Themicroprocessor 30 can therefore read out the cause of the switching overof the operating mode of the transceiver 40 from the module 45 by meansof the control output Ctrl (identifier, data content, infringement ofthe message length). Of course, it is also conceivable that anadditional data input of the microprocessor and an additional data lineare used to read out the causes of the switching over of the operatingmode.

In FIG. 2 b, the module 45 is an integrated component of themicroprocessor 30. Here, the module 45 controls the changeover ofoperating mode of the microprocessor 30 from one operating mode orenergy-saving mode into another operating mode or energy-saving mode.The changeover of operating mode is optionally triggered by receivedmessages.

The module 45 may be active when the microprocessor 30 is in anoperating mode or energy saving mode in which no transmitting operationand/or receiving operation of messages is possible and/or no processingof data can be carried out.

The module 45 carries out the transmitting operation and/or receivingoperation in such an operating mode or energy-saving mode of themicroprocessor 30. In this case, the module 45 executes basic functionsof the microprocessor 30 as what is referred to as a co-processor,wherein basic functions can be defined and configured in advance on anetwork-dependent and control-device-dependent basis. In order totransmit messages, the microprocessor is directly connected on theoutput side to the driver 41 in a data-exchanging fashion.

The module 45 therefore permits a state of the control device 21 inwhich the latter is, as it were, powered down (intermediate state). Thisintermediate state is characterized by a reduced energy demand and bycommunication which is possible despite the microprocessor 30 beingswitched off. In this context, an application is not executed or is onlytemporarily executed. Changeover of state or operating mode aretriggered by messages or driving states or vehicle states which areencoded in messages. There is no need for a master control device forcontrolling a changeover of state or operating mode. Likewise, a mastercontrol device is not necessary for activating the intermediate state,the state can be activated by the control device 21 itself. It ispossible to change over from the intermediate state into further statesor operating modes.

However, the module 45 optionally exclusively carries out a transmittingoperation and receiving operation including an evaluation of receivedmessages and activation of a changeover of operating modes. The state oroperating mode into which the changeover occurs is decided by theapplication as a function of the cause of the switching over.

For example, the module 45 can transmit messages cyclically inaccordance with predefinitions of a communication protocol of thenetwork (for example for a cyclical presence signal). It is thereforepossible, for example, to indicate to further subscribers of the networkthat the control device 21 continues to be a communicating subscriber ofthe network despite an energy-saving mode.

The messages which are to be transmitted by means of the basic functionsof the module 45 can be freely configured by the microprocessor 30independently of their respective function. A configuration of themessages serves here to adapt the messages to be transmitted by themodule 45 to a predetermined function of the messages (for examplecyclical presence signal). Configuration of messages may take placebefore an energy-saving mode or sleep mode of the microprocessor 30 isactivated.

The module 45 receives messages, evaluates identifiers and data contentwith precision to the bit level and determines the number of data bytes.Furthermore, all messages can optionally be monitored for a timeoutand/or a number of received messages can be counted. This will beexplained later below (see for example FIG. 4).

As stated above, there are various criteria according to which themodule 45 can generate a switching signal for changing an operatingmode. The criteria can be evaluated alternatively or cumulatively here.

According to a first criterion, the module 45 compares the identifierwith a mask. In the case of correspondence, the module 45 generates achangeover of operating mode of the microprocessor 30. The mask can befreely configured by the microprocessor 30.

According to a second criterion, the module 45 compares the data contenton a bit-by-bit basis with a mask. When there is correspondence of atleast one predetermined or predefined bit, the module 45 generates achangeover of operating mode of the microprocessor 30. The mask can befreely configured by the microprocessor 30.

According to a third criterion, the module 45 determines whether a datacontent is greater than a predetermined value. When this condition ismet, the module 45 generates a changeover of operating mode of themicroprocessor 30. Of course, the module 45 can also generate achangeover of operating mode if the data content is less than or equalto the predetermined value. The predetermined value can be freelyconfigured by the microprocessor 30.

According to a fourth criterion, the module 45 compares the number ofdata bytes with a mask. If the number is smaller than that of the mask,the module 45 generates a changeover of operating mode of themicroprocessor 30. The mask can be freely configured by themicroprocessor 30.

According to a fifth criterion, the module 45 monitors received messagesfor timeout. If a timeout is detected, the module 45 generates achangeover of operating mode of the microprocessor 30. The timeoutcondition (for example a duration of a timeout) can be freely configuredby the microprocessor 30.

According to a sixth criterion, the module 45 counts a number ofreceived messages. If a predetermined number of messages is received,the module 45 generates a changeover of operating mode of themicroprocessor 30. The counter value for received messages can be freelyconfigured by the microprocessor 30.

Furthermore, the module 45 can implement a cyclical changeover ofoperating mode of the microprocessor 30 after the expiry of one or moretimers. The timers can be freely configured by the microprocessor 30.

Furthermore, the module 45 can store the received messages in a memoryunit, optionally in an FIFO memory. The microprocessor 30 can access theFIFO memory in a reading and/or deleting fashion.

Furthermore, the module 45 may have a data register which is independentof the FIFO memory and in which a received message is stored, whichmessage has triggered one or more of the abovementioned criteria achangeover of operating mode of the microprocessor 30. Themicroprocessor 30 can access the stored message in a reading and/ordeleting fashion.

Furthermore, the module 45 can have, optionally digital, outputs forcontrolling the operating modes of the transceiver 40. The module 45 canin this context access, in a data-exchanging fashion, the transceivervia, for example, the control output Ctrl of the microprocessor 30 orcan have additional outputs. The operating mode of the transceiver 40can be adapted in accordance with the current transmitting operation orreceiving operation of the module 45 and therefore a further reductionin the required operating power can be achieved. If, for example, themodule 45 does not transmit any messages, the module 45 optionallyswitches the transceiver 40 into a receive only operation (listen only).The digital outputs can be freely configured by the microprocessor 30.

Furthermore, the module 45 can have, optionally digital, outputs forcontrolling external voltage regulators (not illustrated) for supplyingcontrol device peripherals. If the microprocessor 30 changes into anoperating mode with the active module 45, this module 45 cannot switchoff, for example, control devices of a control device peripheral whichare required for the current operating mode. The microprocessor 30,transceiver 40 and the parts of the control device peripherals which arerequired for the operation continue to be supplied with voltage. As aresult it is possible to bring about a further reduction in the requiredoperating power. The digital outputs can be freely configured by themicroprocessor 30.

Furthermore, the module 45 can have a status register in which themodule 45 documents the cause of the changeover of operating mode of themicroprocessor 30. The microprocessor 30 can access the status registerin a reading fashion. The module 45 can be active or passive in the caseof such an access.

-   -   a configured message, i.e. a message with predetermined        identifier, is received, or    -   a configured message is received and the number of data bytes is        lower than the number stored in the DLC mask M_DLC, or

Furthermore, the module 45 comprises a FIFO buffer or FIFO memory FB. Inthis context, the reception messages which are received in the receptionbuffers EB1, EB2 . . . EBn are buffered in the FIFO buffer FB. Bufferingof reception messages may take place at the changeover into anotheroperating mode when the microcontroller 30 has still not made areceiving operation possible. In addition to the reception message whichtriggers the changeover of operating mode, further sequencing data aretherefore available to the application. The FIFO buffer FB can alsooperate as a ring buffer. In this context, the FIFO buffer FB can buffern reception messages. One of the n buffers or memories of the FIFObuffer FB here always stores the reception message which triggers thechangeover of operating mode, and is not overwritten. If no furthersequencing data are to be stored, the FIFO buffer FB can also have abuffer size which is sufficient to store only the reception messagewhich triggers the changeover of operating mode.

Furthermore, the module 45 comprises an input and output interface (I/Opins) I/O. The input and output interface I/O may serve as an input forsignals which can trigger a changeover of operating mode, for example asan input for signals which are generated by means of a switch or pushbutton key or for signals which are dependent on a driving state orvehicle state.

In particular, signals which are dependent on a driving state or vehiclestate can be transmitted to the module 45 by means of the input andoutput interface I/O, which module 45 can then switch off or else switchon again the microprocessor 30, not only on the basis of receptionmessages but also on the basis of driving states or vehicle states, orcan change an operating mode.

It is therefore possible for signals, which are generated by, forexample, switches/push button keys of window lifters, a mirroradjustment device or a central locking system, to be transmitted to themodule 45 via, for example, the input and output interface I/O. In thisway, signals of an external device for monitoring over voltage and undervoltage of a battery voltage can also be transmitted. Furthermore,signals which represent vehicle states such as, for example, ignitionon, ignition off, reverse travel, crash, opening of the electricaltailgate, failure of lighting means etc. can be transmitted to themodule 45 in this way. The module 45 can bring about a changeover ofoperating mode as a function of the signals. Of course, a logic unit(not illustrated) can also process the signals which are dependent onvehicle states and generate a control signal for the module 45 from oneor more signals.

The method of functioning described above will be explained using twoexamples:

In a first example, a control device of the parking aid is switched off(microcontroller 30 in the energy-saving mode, module 45 active). Thevehicle stops during forward travel. A motor vehicle driver engages thereverse gear speed. The information “reverse gear speed engaged” isdistributed in the vehicle network with a message. The module 45 of theparking aid detects this message and initiates the changeover ofoperating mode of the microcontroller 30, with the result that theparking aid control device can carry out its function.

Furthermore, the module 45 in the switched off state (microprocessor 30in the energy-saving mode, module 45 active) can detect the “ignitionoff” state and initiate a changeover of operating mode so that theapplication can power down the control device.

As an alternative to the reverse gear speed, the module 45 can evaluatethe vehicle speed and bring about a changeover of operating mode when aconfigured speed threshold is undershot.

A second example relates to a charging process of hybrid vehicles orelectric vehicles. In this context, not all the control devices of anetwork are necessary. What is referred to as selective awakening can beimplemented as follows using the module 45, with the result that onlythe control devices which are required for the charging process in anetwork are active.

For example, in the “ignition off” state and plugging of the charge plugcontrol devices of the network are awakened. The network control deviceswhich can be awoken in the “ignition off” state are therefore switchedon. The application checks whether the control device is required. Ifnot, it is placed in an operating mode with an active module 45, whereina microprocessor of the control device remains in a sleep mode. Theinformation relating to the ending of the charging process, for example“charging end voltage reached” or “plug pulled out” is distributed inthe network by a control device and detected by the module 45. Thenetwork can be powered down or a control device is selectively awakenedin order, for example, to indicate the charging state or to performair-conditioning of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the module 45 comprises a first digital output interfaceDA1 for outputting signals to the external voltage controllers. By meansof the first digital output interface DA1 it is possible, for example,for signals for switching off external voltage regulators of the controldevice peripherals such as, for example, power drivers, to betransmitted from the module 45 to the device peripherals in adata-exchanging fashion.

Furthermore, the module 45 comprises a second digital output interfaceDA2 for outputting signals to the transceiver 40 (see FIGS. 2 b, 2 c).By means of the second digital output interface DA2 it is possible to betransmitted from the module 45 to the transceiver 40 in adata-exchanging fashion, for the purpose, for example, of controllingthe operating modes of the transceiver 40.

On the output side, the module 45 is connected in a data-exchangingfashion to the microprocessor 30 which is also illustrated in FIG. 2 band FIG. 2 c. In this context, the term connection also includes theintegration of the module 45 into the microprocessor 30. A signal forswitching over operating mode is output if

-   -   a configured message, i.e. a message with a predetermined        identifier, is received or    -   a configured message is not received over a predetermined time        (timeout) or    -   a configured message is received and the number of data bytes is        lower than the number stored in the DLC mask M_DLC or    -   a configured message is received and a comparison of the data        content to determine whether it is the same as or larger than or        smaller than the data mask M_data is positive or    -   a timeout timer T1, T2 reaches the predetermined value or the        value 0 or    -   a predetermined number of reception messages has been received        or    -   an external signal has been transmitted to the module 45 by        means of the input and output interface I/O.

For this purpose, the module 45 comprises an OR block 60 which isconnected in a data-exchanging fashion to the reception buffers EB1,EB2, . . . EBn. Furthermore, the OR block 60 is connected in adata-exchanging fashion to the masks M_DLC, M_data, to the timeouttimers T1, T2, to the third timeout timer T3, to the counter C and tothe input and output interfaces I/O. In this context, data connectionscan be configured between the OR block 60 and the elements cited above,which is represented schematically by switches.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A control device for a vehicle network thatincludes at least one bus system, the control device comprising: amicroprocessor; a transceiver; and a module for detecting networkmessages including vehicle velocity data, the network messages beingtransmitted on at least one bus system, the module controlling at leastone of switching on or off of a sleep mode for the control device basedon content of the detected network messages indicating a previouslydefined state or event during the operation of the motor vehicle,wherein the control device is switched off or into a sleep mode based ondetection of the previously defined state or event during the operationof the motor vehicle, wherein the previously defined state is thevehicle velocity V, wherein if V>V_(limit), the control device isswitched off or switched into the sleep mode, wherein the module isintegrated into the transceiver or into the microprocessor or isembodied as a separate component, wherein the module is integrated intothe microprocessor and a coprocessor function of the microprocessor isexecuted by the module if a sleep mode of the microprocessor isactivated, and wherein, in the coprocessor function, the module carriesout a transmitting operation or a receiving operation or an evaluationof reception messages or a changeover of operating mode.
 2. The controldevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the event for switching thecontrol device into the sleep mode or for switching off or for awakeningis receipt of at least one network message.
 3. The control device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the module is connected on an input side toan output of a receiver of the transceiver and on an output side to themicroprocessor or a control logic of the transceiver or a driver of thetransceiver.
 4. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein themodule comprises at least one data mask (M_data) or at least one DLCmask (M_DLC) or at least one identifier mask (M_id1, M_id2, M_idn). 5.The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the module comprisesat least one input and output interface (I/O), wherein external signalsare received or transmitted by the input and output interface (I/O). 6.The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the module comprisesat least one output interface (DA1) for outputting signals to externalvoltage controllers or at least one output interface (DA2) foroutputting signals for controlling the transceiver.
 7. The controldevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the module comprises at least onetime out timer (T1, T2, T3), wherein an operating mode is switched overif the time out timers (T1, T2, T3) reach a predetermined value or
 0. 8.The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the module comprisesat least one counter (C), wherein an operating mode is switched over ifthe counter (C) reaches a predetermined value.
 9. The control device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the module comprises at least one receptionbuffer (EB1, EB2, EBn) or at least one transmission buffer (SB1, SBn),wherein messages are received by the reception buffer (EB1, EB2, EBn) ormessages are transmitted by the transmission buffer (SB1, SBn).
 10. Amethod for operating a vehicle network that includes at least one bussystem that includes a plurality of control devices, each control devicecomprising a microprocessor, and a transceiver, the method comprising:detecting a network message including vehicle velocity data, the networkmessage being transmitted on at least one bus system using a module thatdetects network messages; controlling at least one of switching on oroff of a sleep mode for at least one control device of the plurality ofcontrol devices based on content of the detected network messagesindicating a previously defined state or event during the operation ofthe motor vehicle; and switching off the at least one control device orswitching the at least one control device into a sleep mode based ondetection of the previously defined state or event during operation ofthe motor vehicle, wherein the previously defined state is the vehiclevelocity V, wherein if V>V_(limit), at least one control device isswitched off or switched into the sleep mode, wherein a coprocessorfunction of the microprocessor is executed if a sleep mode of themicroprocessor is activated, and wherein, the coprocessor functioncarries out a transmitting operation or a receiving operation or anevaluation of reception messages or a changeover of operating mode. 11.The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein a master control devicetransmits, as an event, a network message as a function of which atleast one control device is switched off or switched into the sleep modeor awakened.
 12. The control device of claim 1, wherein the controldevice is awakened from the sleep mode or switched on based on detectionof the previously defined state or event during the operation of themotor vehicle.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising switchingon the control device or waking up the control device from the sleepmode based on detection of the previously defined state or event duringoperation of the motor vehicle.
 14. A control device for a vehiclenetwork of a motor vehicle, the vehicle network including at least onebus system, the control device comprising: a microprocessor; atransceiver; and a module that detects transmitted network messagesincluding vehicle velocity data, the network messages being transmittedon the at least one bus system, and controls switching on or off of asleep mode for the control device based on content of a detected networkmessages, wherein the detected network message indicates a previouslydefined state or event during the operation of the motor vehicle,wherein the control device is switched off or into a sleep mode inresponse to detection of a specific previously defined state or eventduring the operation of the motor vehicle, wherein the control device isswitched off or into the sleep mode if: the previously defined state isthe motor vehicle velocity and the detected velocity is greater than aspecified velocity limit, wherein the module is integrated into thetransceiver or into the microprocessor or is embodied as a separatecomponent, wherein the module is integrated into the microprocessor anda coprocessor function of the microprocessor is executed by the moduleif a sleep mode of the microprocessor is activated, and wherein, in thecoprocessor function, the module carries out a transmitting operation ora receiving operation or an evaluation of reception messages or achangeover of operating mode.